Polo boot



Jan. 30, 1934. c. F. LUTscHE 1,945,226

POLO BOOT Fliled March 21, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l Invenlor By Qamw.

ilorney Jan. 30, 1934. c. F. LuTscHE POLO BOOT Filed March 2l. 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /litorney Patented Jan. 30, 1934 PATENT oFF-ICE POLO BOOT Carl F. Lutsche, Schofield Barracks, `'lerritory of Hawaii Application March 21,1933. Serial No. 661,994

1 Claim. (Cl. 54-82) This invention relates to an improved boot adapted to bestrapped to the ankles of horses participating in the now popular and modern ,game of polo.

So far as I have been able to ascertain, from a general survey of the prior art and a study of the various styles and types of protective boots now used for this purpose, little thought seems to have been devoted to this class of accessories and appurtenances. In fact, the customary style of boot now employed on polo ponies is in the'form of a suitably shaped felt pad provided with buckle equipped maintenance straps.

In some instances, however, it comprises a relatively stiff piece of leather serving as the outer protective member and a felt-cushion attached to the inner face thereof and adapted to come into direct contact with the ankle in the vicinity of the hoof.

The aforesaid type of polo boot does not, as a rule last long. Moreover, it is accompanied by many objections and disadvantages. Manifestly, the absorbent properties of the felt pad permit .the pad to become foul and dangerous from the vresult of accumulated mud, perspiration and adhering dust and dirt. This renders the pad unsanitary not only to the horse but to the attendant.

u In addition to the foregoing, it is quite evident that the boot is in no sense waterproof. It becomes hard from accumulated perspiration and is unhandy to wash and clean. In fact, when it is washed it is generally necessary to keep it jout of the sun to prevent baking and hardening D of the leather and felt backing or pad. When thus stiffened and hardened, it is decidedly uncomfortable when replaced and this adds further to its inability to serve as an adequate protection 4oiancl cushioning appliance.

With the foregoing defects and observations in mind, I have evolved and produced a simple and economical polo boot characterized by such features as practically overcome the faults above- -fmention as will be hereinafter pointed out.

My primary aim is to provide a protective boot which is really an achievement in this line of endeavor, in that it is practicable, a modern advance, efficient in performance, and otherwise Figure 1 isran elevational View showing the manner in which the improved boot is worn.

Fig) 2 is an enlarged front elevational view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detail sectional view.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section taken approximately on the plane of the line 4 4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an inside elevational view of the improved article.

By way of introduction, it is to be pointed out that the outline of configuration of the boot may be of any predetermined form to promote effectiveness and comfort. The gist of the invention is in the provision of inner and outer pliable sheets or pieces of material distinguished by the numerals 6 and 7 stitched or otherwise fastened together around their marginal edges as indicated at 8. By preference, the outer member '7 is in the form of a piece of leather of appropriate flexible properties and strength. The inner sheet 7% 6 is preferably a thin sheet of rubber such as will neatly and nicely conform to the contour of the animals ankle and hoof. Glued or otherwise secured to the inner opposed faces of the outer protective leather and inner rubber lining 6 is an intervening cushion 9. Instead of being of felt as is customary, this is sponge rubber and is decidedly advantageous for the purpose in that it is not effected by moisture and possesses the requisite pneumatic and cushioning qualities. The outer protective leather is provided with suitable attaching elements 10 for the buckle equipped adjustable retaining straps 11 of which any number may be employed.

Although the inner and outer members 6 and 'I are not fastened together in an airtight manner, the stitching is intentionally close so that a certain amount of air is actually trapped between the parts 6 and 7 to add to the effectiveness of the inflation and compression properties thereof. Thus, the device, as a unit, has the same advantages and effect of a pneumatic cushion. In fact, it is believed to be superior in that it is virtually puncture-proof.

In order that the features and advantages of the improved device may be more satisfactorily comprehended I call attention now to the following features and advantages I believe to be present in the improved conception viz:-

It is water and sweat proof. It will not rub or irritate the leg. It is dirt and dust proof. It is unnecessary to scrub it after each time it is used, merely using a wet sponge to wipe off the sweat and dirt that collects on the lower edge and inner surface of the boot is all that is reini quired. It can be used for a considerable longer time than the present boot. It does not have a tendency to hinder the circulation of blood. Being dust, dirt, and sweat proof, it will not wrinkle and being pliable it prevents dirt and sandcorns from collecting between the boot and the leg. It has from fty to eighty per cent more cushion and shock absorbing properties. As shown, the spongy rubber is cemented between; a. sheet of rubber and leather and it has the tendency to act more like an air cushion because the spongy rubber cells containing air is locked in between the two facing sheets and the air cannot expel: fast as it would if the rubber sponge was, freeI on one side and it is my belierc that this combination, as I have described in the preceding subparagraphs has the soft and gradual shock absorbing qualities greater thallia-nyy other combin'ation in use today or on the market. to, my knowledge.

A careful. consideration of theV foregoing description in conjunction, with thev invention as illustratedrn the drawingswill enable. the reader to obtain a clear understanding and impression of the alleged features of merit and novelty suicient to clarify the construction of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Minor changes in shape, size, materials and re-arrangement of parts may be resorted to in actual practice so long as no departure is made from the invention as claimed.

Having thus described my invention',y what I claim as new is:-

A boot for a horse comprising a pad of sponge rubber, a thin sheet of rubber connected to the inner face of the pad and having its edge portions projecting beyond the edge portions of the had, a, pliable. sheet of leather connected to the outer face ofthe pad and having its edge portions projecting beyond the edge portions of the pad, closely1 arranged: stitches connecting the edges of the sheet of rubber with the edges of the sheet of leathensaid stitches being located outwardly of the edges. oi the pad, and fastening straps connected to the. outer-face of the-leather sheet..

CARL E; LUTSCHE.. 

